Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Bicycle accidents can happen suddenly out of nowhere and leave devastating results. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, contact a highly experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to fight for your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
After a bicycle accident that resulted in serious injury, catastrophic injuries, or death, it is imperative that you are represented by a personal injury lawyer to help you seek full compensation for damages. When hit by a passenger vehicle, an insurance claim can be filed as the initial action. In some cases, it is possible to negotiate a fair settlement, while in others, the claim is contested by insurance company defense lawyers, and a lawsuit must be brought to apply greater pressure, and to present the case to a jury for a decision. At Malloy Law Offices, LLC, our bicycle accident lawyers will help you navigate through the complex legal process of filing a claim or lawsuit. Call (888) 291-6445 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Malloy Law Offices, LLC
Personal injury lawyers vary in education, natural talent, and their personal dedication to their clients. At Malloy Law Offices, LLC, we take our duty to our clients extremely seriously. Our team of litigators is dedicated to helping them achieve the maximum possible in compensation, based upon the long-term consequences. We invite you to meet with us for a free case consultation.
- We take on bicycle accident cases with serious injuries on a contingency fee basis – no fees unless we win for you.
- We have over 15 years of experience negotiating fair settlements and in court. We are extremely familiar with the processes, and how to achieve justice in bicycle accident injury cases.
- If another driver has injured you due to negligent driving conduct, speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or aggressive driving, we believe you deserve the maximum in compensation.
- First and foremost, we believe you deserve personal service, genuine care, and we ensure our clients are cared for, supported, and consistently informed of case progress, from start to finish.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
The number of bicycle accidents in Maryland continues to rise. With more residents in the DMV choosing to cycle, the risk of being seriously injured is high. Statistics released by the Maryland Department of Transportation reveals the shocking numbers of injuries and deaths. In the most recent year:
- 5 fatal bicycle crashes
- 603 injury crashes
- 147 property damage crashes
- 10 total fatalities
- 634 total number of people injured
Nationwide, bicycle accidents involving a car make up one-third of all bicycle accidents, with the majority of fatalities associated with a passenger vehicle, truck, or other vehicle striking a cyclist.
Montgomery County is one of the most dangerous areas in which to cycle in Maryland, with more than 18 percent of the bicycle accidents statewide taking place in the area. The most dangerous months for cyclists are June, July, and August, with the majority of bicycle accidents occurring on the weekdays when the streets and highways are busy with commuter traffic.
The report reveals the areas where bicyclists are most commonly hit by moving vehicles, as follows:
- On-road a crosswalk: 116
- On-road, not at crosswalk: 199
- In bikeway: 33
- At marked crosswalk: 48
- On the shoulder: 70
Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 2016, Maryland saw a total of 851 bicycle accidents. Thankfully, the majority of these accidents were non-fatal, but not without consequence. These include property damage and injury to the bicyclist. Sixteen of these accidents ended with a bicyclist fatality. Nationwide, accidents involving a car make up one-third of all bicycle accidents, with the majority of fatalities stemming from this type.
Bicycle Laws In Maryland
Bicycle laws regarding helmets, traffic, and equipment are relatively straightforward. The law considers bicycles a vehicle, therefore all traffic laws apply. In addition, bicyclists must also not:
- Wear any headset or earplugs that cover both ears
- Carry anything that prevents them from having both hands on the handlebars at all times, or obstructs their balance or view of the road
- Travel on roads with a minimum speed limit of 50MPH or higher
- Any rider or passenger under the age of sixteen must wear a helmet at all times when on roads, bicycle trails, or any other public property. Helmets must also meet or exceed the standards set by the American National Standards Institute, Snell Memorial Foundation, or American Society for Testing and Materials.
Additional equipment on the bicycle can include the following:
- A lamp on the front if riding on a highway with people and vehicles are not clearly visible at 1,000 feet
- A red reflector on the rear if riding on a highway with people and vehicles not clearly visible at 1,000 feet
- A bell or other sound apparatus that is not a siren or whistle
- All bicycles must have a brake system
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Some of the most common ways a person can become injured in a bicycle accident are through driver error. Someone operating a car or other motor vehicle must always pay special attention to bicyclists who may be in the area. Making left or right turns in front of a cyclist, not paying attention to space between their lane and the bicycle lane, side-swiping the rider, and even opening car doors are all ways an injury can occur. Head-on and side collisions may also occur as well, especially when going through an intersection or driving distracted.
Damages in Bicycle Accident Cases
The law operates on the fault system. This means that if the driver is liable, they have to pay the injured bicyclist damages. However, contributory negligence is a huge factor in determining driver liability. If the bicyclist is even one percent at fault, they are barred from receiving compensation. The two main ways someone would be able to receive compensation in a bicycle accident case would be through property damage, where the at-fault driver would have to pay for all injured property, including any items the bicyclist was carrying, and injury damages.
Injury damages further separate into two categories, non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages are the quantifiable and easily calculated damages, such as all medical bills, loss of income, and any other calculable damage. Non-economic damages are the non-quantifiable damages, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, damage to the marital relationship, and impairment.
The amount of damages a person can receive for their bicycle accident depends on several criteria; the severity of the injury, the length of time they were suffering, and whether they made a full recovery.
Contact our Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Dealing with a personal injury case on top of any injuries you may already be suffering is overwhelming. Contact a skilled bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible so you can focus on your recovery. They will ensure no stone has been left unturned and will fight for the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact Malloy Law Offices for a free case evaluation today.